My Visit
Whether it's your first visit, or your hundred and first, there's so much to see and do in Buxton during festival season. Visit our What's On page to book Festival tickets or discover more information about the town below.
Buxton
The beautiful spa town of Buxton is steeped in history and culture. Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Buxton has an abundance of magnificent architecture and is famous for its thermal mineral water. Our main venues, the Matcham-designed Buxton Opera House, the Octagon, the Pavilion Gardens complex and the newly-renovated Buxton Crescent are all within easy walking distance of one another and provide spectacular settings for Buxton International Festival events.
For those seeking a restorative break, a visit to Buxton also offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh upland air in scenic surroundings. The landscaped Pavilion Gardens lie at the heart of the town and for the more adventurous, there are many local walks which provide fantastic views of the Peak District hills. One of the most popular trails leads to Solomon’s Temple, a folly that stands high above a limestone show cave, Poole’s Cavern.
The town has warmly welcomed visitors for centuries and offers a wide variety of accommodation, dining options and independent shops for all tastes. For those wanting to venture further afield, the Peak District National Park and historic attractions such as Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are within easy reach.
Where to stay
Thank you to our local supporters.
The Buxton Crescent Hotel
The Buxton Crescent Hotel is a stunningly beautiful Grade 1 listed Georgian building, restored to its 18th century splendour with 21st century luxury. With 81 sumptuous bedrooms, the elegant ‘Dining Room’ and one the country’s leading medical health spa’s, we have something to offer all of our discerning guests.
The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
01298 808999
Old Hall Hotel
Situated across the square from the Edwardian Opera House, Old Hall Hotel is the ideal base for your festival visit. We have 38 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms, all with free Wi-Fi. Choose from a range of rooms from Single to Four Poster, with breakfast and dinner options available in our Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The Square, Buxton, SK17 6TQ
01298 22841
B&B @ No.6 The Square
Perfectly located for your festival stay, you’ll find No.6 The Square opposite Buxton Opera House. Four spacious and luxurious en-suite double rooms are available on the 2nd and 3rd floor with access to our sitting room on 1st floor.
6 The Square, Buxton, SK17 6AZ
01298 213541
Best Western Lee Wood Hotel
Set in its own mature grounds, this elegant Georgian hotel is situated only a few moments’ walk from the centre of the spa town and its famous opera house. Family owned for 56 years, our 4-star hotel offers high quality accommodation and award-winning dining.
The Park, Buxton, SK17 6TQ
01298 23002
The Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa
Set in five acres of landscaped gardens , Centrally located, Just a 5 minute walk from the Opera House, offering 186 en-suite bedrooms, Bars , Lounge, Beauty Salon & Leisure Facilities including a 14-metre indoor pool. Pre-theatre dinners are available in our Dovedale Restaurant from 6.00pm.
Palace Road, Buxton, SK17 6AG
01298 22001
Queen's Head Hotel & Public House
The Queen’s Head Hotel offers bed and breakfast in our newly built accommodation rooms and also in a converted stable block, both situated at the rear of our premises. All thirteen of our rooms have central heating, en-suite bathrooms, tea/coffee making facilities and Sky’s ‘in-room’ television service. Larger groups requiring accommodation are welcome but it’s best to call with your requirements.
High Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6EU
01298 24904
Roseleigh Guest House
Only a five minute scenic walk from the Buxton Opera House, located on Broadwalk this Victorian 13-bedroom, family run guest-house built in 1871 overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and ornamental lake of which the superb landscaping was developed between 1861 and the early 1870s. Free residents’ parking for up to 9 cars. Please visit our website for comprehensive virtual room tours.
19 Broad Walk, Buxton SK17 6JR
01298 24904
Banyan Tree Luxury En-Suite Rooms
Banyan Tree luxury en-suite rooms are available in the heart of Buxton, situated on a quiet residential street just off the market place. They are a 5 minute walk away from Buxton opera house, and central to all the bars, restaurants, and beautiful countryside. Each room is suitable for 2 or more guests and a TV, WIFI, towels, tea and coffee are provided. Please contact Neil for bookings and enquiries.
9 Market Street, Buxton SK17 6JY
07870 479997
Where to eat
Thank you to our local supporters.
Old Hall Hotel
Just across the square from the Opera House, we are the perfect and very popular venue for pre- and post-opera meals. Our restaurant is open from 12pm – 2pm and 5.15pm – 11pm. Wine Bar open all day from 10am. Advanced bookings are advisable.
The Square, Buxton SK17 6BD
01298 22841
Buxton Pudding Emporium
Home of the Original Buxton Pudding and a huge selection of Fine Foods, Gifts and Homeware. Our Tasting Rooms are open every day for the very finest hand made food. Situated just opposite the Opera House. Open 10am – 5.30pm.
4 The Square, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AZ
01298 214154
La Gaby Pizzeria
Authentic pizza, made by hand and with heart, passion and time.
We nurture our dough for over 48H to create an airy, light, easy digestible crust. The result is a traditional Neapolitan style pizza prepared in front of you and fired in an authentic Italian brick oven. We are proud to propose a real pizza, with a real atmosphere.
3 Spring Gardens, Buxton, SK17 6BJ
01298 72577
The Pavilion Kitchen and Tea Rooms
The Pavilion Kitchen is perfect while you relax with friends or family. It is also home to our toddlers’ soft play area. A wide range of hot & cold drinks, pastries, pizzas, hot snacks, homemade sandwiches and sweet treats are available.
The Tea Rooms can seat up to 100 people, with views overlooking the Gardens. You’ll find an exquisite variety of dishes to suit any appetite, including inventive vegan and gluten-free options, afternoon teas & mouth-watering desserts.
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton SK17 6BE
01298 23114
Khomkhai Traditional Thai Cuisine
Our aim is to serve you the best possible Thai cuisine from the freshest possible Thai herbs and spices imported direct from Thailand, and also locally sourced ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, fish etc, Each dish is individually created to most suit the individual who ordered it. Khomkhai Thai Cuisine Restaurant and Bar is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, food served 12 – 2.30 pm, and in the evening food is served 5 pm – 9.30 pm
9 Market Street, Buxton SK17 6JY
01298 299688
Where to visit
Thank you to our local supporters.
Isla Fine Art, Cards & Gifts
Aimed at the discerning customer, Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts stocks a carefully curated range of beautiful and stylish gifts and cards alongside a selection of art by local artists and artisans. If you are looking for something a bit different in Buxton then this is the shop for you.
4b & 5 The Colonnade, Buxton SK17 6AL
01298 938492
The Buxton Crescent Experience
In a town whose history is shaped by water, The Buxton Crescent Experience is a boutique attraction that reveals the story of a special spa town, the renowned water and recent restoration of the Crescent building. The Buxton Crescent Experience is the perfect choice for families, the interactive elements will keep children amused and educated while history buffs can dig deeper into the story of the town.
The Crescent and The Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6BH
01298 214577
The Pavilion Gardens
The Pavilion Gardens is a beautiful historic venue dating back to 1871 which superbly shows off the Victorian splendour of Buxton. Set within 23-acres of magnificent landscaped gardens and play areas the venue provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxing family days out, with great food and drink, shopping and over 100 events and festivals throughout the year.
Our new investments this year have seen exciting developments including our Ice Cream Parlour, Boating Lake, Coffee Van and Pavilion Kitchen. Soon we’ll see our Indoor Market Hall and Tea Rooms.
St John’s Road, Buxton, SK17 6BE
01298 23114
Poole's Cavern & Country Park
For centuries curious visitors have explored and marvelled at the natural subterranean world that is Poole’s Cavern. Explore Poole’s Cavern today with our expert guides and journey though the beautifully illuminated chambers to discover for yourself the magnificent underground scenery of the Peak District
Green Lane, Buxton, SK17 9DH
01298 26978
John Whibley "Holidays with Music"
Since 1999 John Whibley and the “Holidays with Music” team have taken thousands of music and opera lovers on hundreds of Musical Holidays across Europe, America and the UK. Our 2023 season offers a wide range of opera, orchestral, chamber music and festival holidays to choose from. Please contact us for a free brochure.
Ash Lea, Longlands Road, New Mills, Derbyshire, SK22 3BY
01663 746578
Accessibility
We’re doing our utmost to ensure your access needs are met so that you have an enjoyable festival experience. Please call our Festival office on 01298 70395 for more information about facilities available at the venues.
Accessibility
While the main church at St John’s is accessible to all, the balcony is not recommended to anyone with mobility issues.
Buxton Opera House has three spaces available for wheelchair users located in the stalls and there are also spaces available for wheelchair users in the front row of the Pavilion Arts Centre. To request a space with your booking and to reserve a free ticket for carers, please call the Box Office on 01298 72190.
Parking
There are 8 disabled car parking bays on the lower level of the Pavilion Gardens car park off Burlington Road. This is approximately 320 metres away from Buxton Opera House and 160 metres away from the Pavilion Arts Centre/Buxton Cinema.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. Please talk to the box office about any special requirements when booking.
Help with hearing
An induction loop system is available at the counter of both Box Offices in Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
There are a limited number of passive infra-red (PIR) systems in both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. These work through a special headset, rather than your hearing aid, which is available from the Box Office at Buxton Opera House. Please reserve one when booking your ticket over the phone – a £10 cash deposit is required on collection.
Toilet facilities
Accessible toilets are available in both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
FAQs
Here are some questions we're commonly asked. If you need any more information please get in touch.
When is the next Buxton International Festival?
A full Festival will run from 4 – 21 July 2024.
What’s on?
The exciting programme features more than 120 events, over 17 days, across six venues in our beautiful spa town.
Festival highlights include three new opera productions, Verdi’s Ernani, Handel’s Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno and Peter Brook’s adaptation of Bizet’s La Tragedie de Carmen.
When can I book tickets
The Friends of Buxton International Festival enjoy priority booking for the full programme. This will open on a staggered basis in March 2024.
Public booking will open in April 2024.
You can book via the website, call the Box Office on 01298 72190 or email boxoffice@boh.org.uk.
I’m under 35, how do I get £10 tickets?
£10 tickets are available for under 35’s who join the Next Gen Friends of BIF. It’s free to join, and you will be able to book tickets from April 2024.
What should I wear?
We have no dress code and are a relaxed, welcoming festival. However, if you want to dress up please do!
How do I get to Buxton?
By car, Buxton is a 1 hour’s drive (approx) from the M1, M6, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.
By train, you can travel from London Euston to Macclesfield direct in less than 2 hours, plus a 20 minute taxi ride, or change at Stockport for trains to Buxton. Click here for travel information and to book tickets.
There are direct train services from Manchester, Preston, Blackpool and Hazel Grove by Northern Rail.
By bus, there are direct services from Chesterfield, Derby, Glossop, Huddersfield, Macclesfield, Sheffield, Stockport and Stoke.
By air, there are regular national and international flights to Manchester Airport, and East Midlands Airport.
Manchester Airport is approximately 40 minutes away by car/taxi.
Group Bookings
We welcome groups of all types to Buxton International Festival and provide a group booking service for parties of 10+ along with 10% discount on ticket prices.
What types of groups do we work with?
We classify a group as 10+ people. This can include:
- Tour groups
- Societies and clubs
- Staff outings
- Corporate entertaining
- School trips
- Families
- Friends
As long as the booking meets the minimum requirement of 10 people, we consider this to be a group.
Group Discounts
A group discount is available for any groups of 10+ to any events across our programme of opera, music, jazz and books. We can work with you to find you the best festival itinerary for your party. If you are new Buxton, we can help with local information and accommodation recommendations.
Group Booking Benefits
- 10% discount for Buxton International Festival events.
- Bespoke advice and assistance from a member of the BIF team.
- Advance ticket/seat requests.
- Latest updates and information from the Festival.
- Access to publicity material.
Hospitality
Buxton offers a wide variety of accommodation and dining options for all tastes.
There are all also many visitor attractions to enjoy in and around the town.
We recommend booking all of the above well in advance as Buxton gets very busy during Festival season.
Coach Parking
There are four coach bays on Burlington Road, which is only a few minutes walk away from our main venues.
There are also coach parking spaces in the Sylvan Coach Park. This is situated off the roundabout at the intersection of the A6/A53.
Car Parking
Buxton has a range of car parks within easy walking distance of the Festival venues. The Pavilion Gardens car park is one of the most convenient.
Travelling by Train
Buxton Train Station is right in the centre of town with trains running regularly to and from Stockport and Manchester. The timetables can be found here.
There are also direct trains from London and Birmingham to Macclesfield, which is only a short taxi ride from Buxton (approximately 20 minutes’ drive).
Travelling by Bus
By bus, there are direct services from Chesterfield, Derby, Glossop, Huddersfield, Macclesfield, Sheffield, Stockport and Stoke.
Get in Touch
For any questions about group bookings, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you plan your group visit to Buxton International festival! Please email Jen at jen.francis@buxtonfestival.co.uk with any queries you have or requirements for your group.